PwC has launched a flexible working scheme that allows people to work for the firm without being tied to a full-time contract or standard working patterns.
The scheme, called the 'Flexible Talent Network', means workers can choose a working pattern that suits their needs, such as shorter hours or even working for just a few months a year.
This move comes in response to increasing demand for flexible working opportunities. Recent research from PwC found that 46% of people say flexible working and a culture of good work/life balance are the most important factors when choosing a job. Separate research from McDonald's also revealed that only 6% of the population is now working the traditional nine to five pattern.
Through the Flexible Talent Network people can apply to work at PwC based on the skills they have and their preferred working pattern, rather than applying for a specific role. The organisation will then match candidates to relevant projects.
The firm has said it hopes that by offering more flexible work options it will attract more diverse talent. More than 2,000 people have registered for the scheme in the first two weeks of its launch.
Laura Hinton, chief people officer at PwC, said that the firm hopes to scrap the assumption that large organisations require traditional working hours.
“People assume that to work at a big firm they need to follow traditional working patterns – we want to make it clear that this isn’t the case. To recruit the best people we recognise that we need to offer greater flexibility, different working options and a route back in for those looking to restart their careers,” she said.
Alongside the scheme, PwC is also recruiting for the next intake of its Back to Business return to work programme. The six-month senior internship is designed to help professionals restart their careers after an extended break.
